The countless number of interior design styles in the world is unbelievable and truth be told, the styles frequently explored in Singapore are merely the tip of the iceberg.
While the popular renovation design ideas such as Scandinavian and modern industrial styles might be someone’s dream home, others may not necessarily feel the same. Apart from the few design styles commonly found in Singapore homes, what are some other lesser-known styles that are not just unique but have a rich history?
We share with you five interior design styles and ideas uncommon to Singaporeans but are interesting and gorgeous styles we can incorporate into our homes.
The first renovation design idea we have for you is the Victorian design style. This style was popular back between 1837 and 1901 when Britain was under Queen Victoria’s rule.
Many affluent families at that time were influenced by the Queen’s spectacular eye for aesthetics, interior design and architecture. They were also influenced by her preference for eclectic and ornamental designs such that they also adorned their homes with similar furnishings to showcase their status and wealth.
During that time period, bare rooms were also considered a lack of taste. Hence, many Victorian homes were fully furnished and even appeared to be very cluttered compared to the modern minimalist ideas at the time. This majestic and grand expression of the Victorian style is what makes it so appealing and highly adored.
Some key elements and characteristics of this style include vibrant floral wallpaper, rich colours, heavily embellished curtains and ornately carved wood furniture with curved edges – all of which adds texture and elegance to the interior and were a reflection of the family’s social and economic status. To share some ideas with you, consider rich hues of gold-brown and red-brown, stained-glass lampshades and brocade curtains to recreate the Victorian look in your home.
If you’re worried about your home looking tacky and cluttered, you can also speak with a top interior designer in Singapore for their guidance and help in creating modern Victorian-style homes.
The classic farmhouse design style is another great renovation design idea. This style is influenced by the early settlers of America who lived in farm homes and it incorporates simple and minimalist furnishings to mimic the look of farmhouses, also putting emphasis on the idea of “slowing down and enjoying the scenery.
As the farmhouse residents of the particular time period saw a need for sturdy and practical furnishings, this style incorporates a lot of natural elements such as hardwood.
Vintage accessories, traditional fabrics filled with floral and paisley patterns, as well as raw finishes on furnishings are key characteristics of this design style. It is also often confused with the rustic design style so do be careful when decorating your home.
Art Deco is an interior design style that started in the 1920s and is defined by bold geometry, rich colours, luxurious fabrics, and stunning accent furniture. This design style is a movement in the decorative arts and architecture that slowly became popular in western Europe and the United States during the 1930s.
The Art Deco style was first exhibited at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, or International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, held in Paris in 1925. It was a style meant to create a sleek and anti-traditional elegance that symbolised wealth and sophistication.
Although the history and origin of this style may sound complicated, implementing this style into your home isn’t difficult. You can simply make use of vibrant colours and unique pieces of designer furniture curated to compliment your home. Otherwise, a creative interior designer in Singapore can help you to pick out key elements and bring your ideas together.
The coastal interior design style, which originated in the Hamptons in the late 19th century, is an airy and natural style aimed at bringing the outside indoors. As the Hamptons is located on the South Fork of Long Island, New York, and is surrounded by the ocean, this interior style incorporates many aspects associated with the coast, the beach, and the sea.
This style puts emphasis on light and airy interiors with lots of natural sunlight, furniture made out of wicker, rattan or light weathered woods and light fabrics such as linen. The cool colours of the ocean and the bright yellows resembling the sun set against a bright white background create a relaxing seaside vibe.
The last renovation design idea we have for you is the Mediterranean interior design style. It is a style influenced by the aesthetics of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe, particularly Greece, Italy, and Spain. However, due to the influence of cultures and design traditions of other countries such as Israel, Morocco and France bordering the Mediterranean Sea, there are also several other versions of this style.
Some of the notable characteristics of the Mediterranean design style are the use of natural and reliable materials such as wood, wrought iron, glass and stone, warm-coloured ceramic tile or hardwood flooring, as well as rich colours of the ocean and gold tones of the sun, set against a background of white and neutral colours.
Other elements include exposed beams, rustic and sculptural objects, bare windows, mosaic tiles, patterns and textures, arched features and a display of dishware, glassware, and accessories.
These incredible interior design ideas are rarely seen in Singapore, yet they are beautiful design styles capable of enriching your life and providing you with a comfortable place to call home. Speak to any of our top interior designers today to bring some of these ideas to life.
